Sebastian looked at Rae, struggling with some sudden dark irritation and sighed pinching the bridge of his nose to keep his temper in check.

"Seriously dude, behave... and maybe put some clothes on. You're going to permanently damage my Guardian's eyes and she needs those to watch out for me... Emphasis on the MY Guardian bit, so hands off." He glanced at Serena, "I will."

He hopped into the shower after grabbing clothes... It took him maybe fifteen minutes to bathe and throw some pants on. He came out with his shirt thrown over his shoulder as he dried his hair. He hadn't wanted to leave Serena alone any longer than was needed because Rae was a little overly curious at times and he REALLY didn't need the gossip that he'd have to compel out of everyone if the guy noticed Serena's scars.

"You ready to grab some breakfast? Anna and Gunner will probably be heading there..."

He glanced worriedly between the two, hoping nothing had happened while he'd been getting dressed.

~*~

Anna laughed, "I can see that... I think this was all part of your plan. Get beaten up by a bunch of Moroi so I'd take pity on you and take off your clothes," she teased. Then she quirked a smile, "Though... the putting the clothes back on thing does put a damper on those plans." She finished buttoning his shirt, another glimpse at her wrist had a spike of anxiety shooting through her and she decided she needed to talk to Serena soon... Find out how long it would take for the addiction to settle down, though once an addict... She cringed at that thought and tugged her bracelettes up to cover the mark again.

She'd never been fed off of often or closely together enough to really get addicted but was it possible that now that she DID feel this need that it would never go away? How could Gunner ever understand the way she'd let herself be used... She pulled away from those thoughts, Gunner hadn't judged her like that... He'd been nothing but sweet since but... she couldn't help but worry. She understood now why Serena was always fiddling with her scarves and tugging her hair into place... part of it might be shame but the other part was the guilt that despite NOT wanting to she still... She glanced at Gunner, suddenly in a depressed mood.

"We should... get to breakfast."

Serena remained silent despite the odd chatter from Rae. She noticed he was a little bruised when he stood up to get dressed. It seemed Gunner got a few good hits in before Serena managed to make him stop. She looked away and fiddled between her scarf and bracelet. She was glad that it was getting colder out, it made it less strange that she wore bigger scarves that hid her scars far better than the small square ones she had to wear in the summer.

Despite her scars being more than hidden she was grateful when Sebastian came out, and a little caught off guard when he didn't have a shirt on. She looked away from him and at her lap as he finished changing. When he offered to grab breakfast, she jumped to her feet and nodded, wanting to leave Rae to do whatever it was he wanted to. After seeing what Jace had been doing with Anna, she really did not want Rae to find out... For more than just the usual reasons.

She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and stepped out of his room and headed toward the cafeteria, "Are you okay with this? I mean.... There will be a lot of people there."

She was worried about him but she was also worried about seeing Anna. She knew the girl would want to talk to her and Serena wanted to help her... But she didn't know if she could. She was only a few months free of the endorphins from the bites herself. She still broke down and felt like she was going crazy when she was alone, which with no roommate was often these days. Her own addiction... had lasted much longer than Anna's few months and despite her soothing the girl, in saying it would get better, she didn't really know. Sure, she had gotten better at hiding the signs of it but it was still there, waiting for her. She didn't know how fast it would clear up for Anna, she wasn't sure if it would ever go away for herself. She rose her hand to her mouth and started to chew and her thumbnail. Could she handle seeing Anna in those very first stages of the withdrawal?
~
Gunner laughed a little when Anna made comment about his reasoning for getting into the fight, "I didn't get beaten up. Roughed up maybe, but you really should see the other guys. I'm sure Jace isn't too pretty today."

He noticed her fiddled with her bracelets and caught her wrist. He rose it to his mouth and kissed it gently, "It's gonna be okay, Ross."

He hopped off the bed, kind of thankful that the sling prevented him from accidentally using his arm. He took Anna's hand in his and wrapped his fingers around her's, "It is going to be fine... I'm more than willing to punch Jace in the face if he tries that again.... Or get Serena to... She can throw quite the punch," He laughed, raising both of their hands to the bruise on his chin.

He walked with her out of the infirmary and towards the cafeteria. When they almost reached the building, he spotted Serena and Sebastian and called to them. Serena turned and looked at them, giving them the usual small wave. She looked down and saw their hands intertwined and stole a glance at Sebastian, he had mentioned last night about them needing to kiss and make up. She was curious if that was exactly what they did. Her eyes then moved to Anna, there were a few signs of early withdrawal which absolutely terrified Serena. She wasn't fully sure why... As if the girl's need would feed her own and make her turn back to what had all happened in Italy. Her shoulders curled in slightly and her arms wrapped around herself, trying to fight off those feelings before peeling her eyes away from Anna and looking up at Gunner. She saw the big bruise on his chin and smiled, "Sorry..."

Gunner laughed, "You seem a little happy for someone who is sorry."

Serena shrugged, "It is a pretty big bruise... I should be proud, no?"

Again, Gunner chuckled, rather oblivious to Serena's discomfort. Of course, then again, he was the only one unaware of her secret.

Anna felt butterflies dance around in her stomach as she smiled back at him tiredly, "I know... It's just going to take a while to shake off feeling so..." She grimaced, "I hate the word but it's true... vulnerability isn't really my thing. I don't like it, I don't like feeling that way. I hate feeling like I can't trust myself." She kissed his cheek, "Therefore, you're just going to have to be my rock."

She chuckled at his mention of Serena, "I bet it was adorable seeing her sock you one in that bunny outfit. Plus, she's so small... you wouldn't think she'd hit so hard but I've seen her in class. She's scary good."

As they walked Anna caught sight of Seb and Serena too, it was kinda hard to miss them. Seeing how nervous Serena was made Anna feel guilty for even having considered asking the girl about the bites... it also answered her questions. Anna was sure that Serena had had it way worse than her for longer but the fact remained... she still felt like she'd slip if pushed... Hell, she looked like she might. Anna bit her lip and tucked her hair behind her ear, suddenly feeling awkward around the other girl. However, her mood seemed to lighten somewhat when she talked to Gunner.

She caught Seb eyeing her carefully and again felt self-conscious, she was sure her aura was a ton of different colors right now... mirroring her own inner struggle. After a moment, his eyes slipped to her hand in Gunner's and despite the momentary worry that had flitted across his face he smiled. "I see you two have graduated to a new level in your relationship."

Anna smiled sheepishly, "Don't go planning weddings yet Seb, we're just taking it a step at a time... no pressure right?"

He held up his hands, offering peace. "Fair enough... I'm just happy that you two are back to normal, so to speak. Your auras were... frankly a little scary... Alright, a LOT scary on Gunner's end. I thought he might commit murder soon."

She punched Seb in the chest lightly, "Shush you... I'm starved... I need food. How about you guys?" She squeezed Gunner's hand, "Plus it's a weekend... how about we see if we can't get off the grounds for a while. I want a burger and fries so badly that I can taste them." She leaned her head against his shoulder...

Sebastian shrugged, "Sounds like a plan to me... So long as we stick to daylight. Even though there haven't been anymore reported attacks close to this area it's still better to be safe than sorry." He grimaced, "I just sounded like Gunner... no offence."

Serena looked at Sebastian when he made comment about the hand holding and smiled. She guess this had been a long thing coming, not just over the last few months. Gunner rolled his eyes at the comment of graduating. He felt as though he was going to come to hate that word. Graduating meant things weren't going to be as easy any more for him and Anna. It meant that they might very well have to end this and less than a day into it, that was the last thing that he wanted. He chuckled a little when Sebastian mentioned how their auras had been at the end there, "Did you not see what happened at the dance? I nearly did," He shook his head, "Jace is lucky that that was where I decided to sock him. Otherwise he'd probably be dead."

Serena shook her head, "I think we are all better off that is happened when it did."

She took a deep breath and looked at Anna when she mentioned getting off campus due to it being the weekend. She nodded. She had hardly gotten a chance to see the surroundings on her way here from the airport and she wouldn't mind getting away. It would probably be best anyways, less people around to set Sebastian off and those who were there would know how to calm him. Gunner glared slightly at Sebastian when he said he sounded like him and pushed him slightly with his foot, "Why do you say that like it is a bad thing?"

Serena laughed, "Where would we go? If we can?"

Anna shrugged, "Why not the mall? I've been saving what I don't send my parents all year and even though I don't really like shopping I need to grab a new pair of shoes and a few other things." To demonstrate how badly her need for shoes was she touched the toe down and the bottom of the shoe peeled back partly. "They're falling apart. I've had them for three years..."

Seb hesitated a moment before nodding, the mall is where Anya had vanished from. Either way, "There's a food court there and maybe we could watch a movie or something at the theatre that's attached... Give us something to do for the day?"

Anna nodded, "Let's grab breakfast and get whatever homework we have to do out of the way and then we'll go?"

Actually, she mostly wanted breakfast and then to spend some time with Gunner.

Seb nodded, "Sure... but I can't eat in the cafeteria. I'm having a bad day... Serena and I have plans to eat elsewhere... We'll meet you after?"

Anna nodded, "Just be sure you're okay."

Gunner sighed slightly when Anna mentioned the mall, he hated the mall for a plethora of reasons. One being the fact that he hated shopping. However, he knew Anna didn't care for it and was a little grateful when Sebastian suggested that they get lunch and see a movie. That didn't sound so bad. A date with Anna, he couldn't really say no to that. Although, when she mentioned homework, he burst out laughing, "Since when do you care about homework," He teased, bumping against her slightly.

He looked at Sebastian when he mentioned having a bad day and clued into why he hadn't heard any whispers around the fight and he hadn't been hauled off to the principal's office. He gave Sebastian a nod then started to pull Anna away from the other two, "Alright, we'll meet up with you closer to lunch then to leave."

He turned around and squeezed Anna's hand, "Breakfast it is," He grinned at her, "I'm going to be glad to have to back at the table."
~
Serena looked up at Sebastian when he mentioned that they had other plans to eat somewhere else. She had no clue what he was talking about. She didn't even know that there was anywhere else to eat. However, she figured this was due to his bad day or something that he had managed to read off of her. She figured that he probably had something in mind all the same, knowing that he wouldn't allow her not to eat and decided to just go along with it and nod. When Anna and Gunner left, she relaxed a little. She hated to say she was happy that the other girl had left but she was far more comfortable. She shook her head, feeling silly, she should want to help Anna.

She smiled, "What are these plans?" she asked with a small giggle.

Sebastian smiled, "Sorry about that, I just know that the cafeteria is a bad idea... too many people, thoughts, emotions... not a good mix with me being so easy to unbalance at the moment..." He shrugged, "There are picnic tables near the grove. About the only people who go there are study groups and on a weekend there isn't likely to be anyone there."

He rested a hand lightly on her shoulder, "Plus I can see your aura, and Anna's. Neither of you are completely comfortable around each other right now, it's understandable. To you she's a reminder of what you went through and for her well... she's unsteady right now. Today will be good for all of us. Getting out of here, I mean."

He nodded after Anna and Gunner, "Let's grab some chow and head for the grove. I think Anna's mention of homework was just an excuse to spend some time with Gunner... Her aura hinted at as much. We could practice training though if you'd like. It would probably be a good way to distract me from my thoughts."

~*~

Anna blushed and punched his shoulder, "I'm a very diligent student, thank you... When I'm not, you know.... busy with other things... like... sleeping."

As they headed back towards the lunch room Anna smiled, "Yeah well... I'll be glad to be back. I kinda missed you Pretty Boy." She leaned up and kissed him lightly before heading to the line. "I'll load your tray, just tell me what you want and you hold onto it... That takes care of your one handed problem." She grabbed strawberries, orange juice, milk, some pancakes, sausage, bacon, and a cinnamon roll. Then, she put an apple on Gunner's tray and started filling it with things he pointed out. Once they were done she headed to the table and sat by him.

"You think Seb will be okay going to the mall?"

Serena smiled at him, "It is okay. I... thought so," She started to head toward the cafeteria so that they could grab their food, "I... feel bad. I should help her... I mean... I understand more than you or Gunner what she is going through.... That should mean something... but... I just do not know if I can."

She shook her head, "I am scared.... That... talking about it all..... well," She looked at Sebastian, "I am not as strong as you think I am...."

She fell into line a few people behind Anna and Gunner and grabbed a tray. She put some raspberries on it as well as a few other fruits, "I am sorry... that I cannot help them more."

She didn't fill up her tray but there was enough on there for her to last till lunch without worry. She paid for it then walked to the grove with Sebastian. She sat down on one of the benches and crossed her legs before she picked up a raspberry and plopped it into her mouth, "I want to punch Jace..." She finally admitted quietly as she stared down at her fruit and berries.
~
Gunner smiled at her as she kissed him, "I'm liking this new addition to our whole hanging out thing."

He nodded as she explained how he was going to get food onto his plate. He was about to point out an apple but Anna knew and had already placed it on his tray. He grinned at her and walked down, pointing at what it was that he wanted. Toast, jam, orange juice, porridge and some strawberries.

When they paid, he lifted his tray with his one hand and walked to the table behind Anna. He spotted Jace in his black and blue glory and smiled at him smugly, proud of his job rearranging the kid's face. He sat down next to Anna and picked up his apple, shining it against his shirt. He shrugged, "I think so... A movie should be good... Something to distract him. I think it is when he doesn't have something to focus on that he starts going down hill... He seems better... though. And he is definitely crushing on Serena. Maybe dress her up a little to distract him for his woes," He teased before biting into his apple, "He'll be fine."

Breakfast ended and the day went smoothly, all was well in the land of Anna... She hadn't really run into Jace at all, he'd kept his distance at breakfast and that suited her just fine. She and Gunner laughed and joked just like always with the added bonus that she could now add some kisses in with those playful punches and yeah... it might be kinda odd but she liked being able to lace her fingers through his as they walked. Nothing had really changed and yet... everything had. Anna stood near the gate waiting impatiently for Sebastian and Serena and while she waited she play sparred with Gunner, not really going all out just tossing some playful jabs and a couple kicks which... of course... he easily blocked. When they finally caught up Anna smiled, letting her attention wander from their play fighting. "Took you two long enough," she teased.

Seb walked over and mussed her hair as he spoke over his shoulder to Serena, "Aren't these two so CUTE together... it brings a tear to my eye."

Anna glowered at him and moved quickly, catching him in a playful headlock and giving him a good old grind of her knuckles against his scalp and then tossing a smile at the other girl, "Hey Serena."

Seb grimaced, "I give! Do you KNOW how long it takes to style this hair?!"

She rolled her eyes, "Seb... you don't style your hair."

He grinned, 'You're right... I roll out of bed looking this amazing." He looped his arm through Serena's and smiled as he tugged her forward, "We're ready when you are... Guardian Belikov will be joining us of course but I pulled some strings and this outing is approved for once."

Anna arched a brow, "Do I even want to know how you managed it?"

"Pure charm... I don't think I have enough good mood left in me to even attempt compelling anyone," he grimaced. "Did you know that compelling an entire group of people is the Guardian equivalent of running about... ten... twenty miles... uphill? Okay exaggeration but... you get the point. You two owe me... big time."

Anna smiled sheepishly, "You seem like you're in pretty high spirits to me... and... We love you?"

Seb shrugged with a pleased smile, "Thank Serena for that, she's kept me away from most of my triggers today....Not having classes helped." He narrowed his eyes at her attempt at flattery and scoffed, "Thou charm hast little effect my good woman... now wouldst thou kindly get a move on?"

Anna grinned, "Fine fine..." As they headed towards the gate Anna caught sight of Guardian Belikov and whispered to Gunner, "How did he get ahead of us?"

~*~

The drive to the mall was a short one, as Anna got out of the car she glanced at Gunner and... because she knew he'd treat it like a real day guarding anyway whether she fussed at him for it or not, she asked... "So... you take far guard with me and let Serena take the near? We'll look more like couples than Guardians that way and I think Belikov isn't just going for far guard... I swear the guy is damn near invisible..." She had to actually LOOK for him to even notice he was following.

As they walked Anna took in the sights and smells, her stomach even rumbled at the idea of nabbing one of those fresh baked pretzels with some mustard. The only thing she was really after though was a pair of shoes and a half decent pair of jeans... all hers were starting either to fray or get gaping holes in the knees and where that was a nice style it wasn't so good when they were actually falling apart. Belt loops popping loose and pockets starting to wear out. She talked Seb into stopping for pretzels and they all took a seat in the café area. "God, I missed these... So, what movie do you guys want to see?"

Serena walked with Sebastian to the happy couple and giggled as Anna pulled him into a headlock in reply. She liked her new friends, they made her smile, really smile. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she was smiling... It was refreshing too, to have two of these three friends know her secret. Even if Anna only had assumptions. Not to mention, Gunner, the only still oblivious to it all, seemed more likely to get a plane to Italy and beat up her father and his friends than cast her out. Even that morning, when Sebastian pushed aside her hair and saw those scars... She thought the reality of it would come crashing down... That he'd leave when he saw just how far gone she really was. He hadn't though... He'd called her beautiful and she felt it around him.

She waved to Anna when she greeted her, she seemed good, better than she was the day before. Serena was glad. She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, trying to will herself to be more comfortable around the girl. Around her friend. She looked at Sebastian, "I hope you have some good mood left. I have to spend the day with you," She teased, patting his shoulder with her free hand as her other rested on his arm as he guided toward the gate.

Gunner on the other hand laughed at his comparison, following behind, "So... It is pretty easy," He joked. Then nodded his head, "Owe you, ya, ya."

Gunner wrapped his arm around Anna's shoulders as she whispered to him about Guardian Belikov, who had appeared in the car, and looked at her, "It is Guardian Belikov... are you surprised?"
~
When they reached the mall, Gunner was determined not to go Guardian Robot on Anna. This was supposed to be a get away from all of the work. Besides nothing was going to happen in the middle of the day. He looked over at Serena and Sebastian and smirked, "I believe we have little choice in it."

Gunner didn't have much interest clothes, most of his things were in good enough condition that he wasn't in desperate need of anything. Except maybe a pair of runners. So instead, he walked around with Anna, holding her hand, while still keeping an eye on Sebastian. He knew that Guardian Belikov was also watching him along with Serena on close guard but he wanted to make sure. Nothing was going to happen at the mall.... Not while he was here.

Serena, on the other hand, was in desperate need of winter clothing. The clothes she had could handle an Italian winter. She could tell already that she would not last through the winter with what she had. So, she walked with Sebastian, who seemed more than happy to help her find Montana winter worthy clothing.

They put their searches on hold soon enough, however, to get pretzels. Serena stuck her bag, which had a pair of winter boots, under the table and nibbled at her pretzel. Gunner looked at Anna at the mention of what movie to see, "Sebastian and I are gentlemen... I'm a gentleman... ladies choice."

Serena looked at Anna, "What is... um... playing at the... cinema?"

Anna chuckled at Gunner's comment, "Seb CAN be... when he tries." She leaned her head on his shoulder then straightened, remembering Guardian Belikov who was still lingering somewhere out of view. She knew he'd be one of the least likely to frown upon their relationship but still...

Upon finishing her pretzel Anna glanced over at Serena, "I actually have no idea. It's been a while since I've had a reason to go outside Academy and that means I don't really know what's playing either... Guess we'll just have to look."

She stood and ran a hand through her hair, "Let's go..."

~*~

After a few minutes considering their choices they settled on the movie that seemed to be getting the most interest and since it didn't start for an hour Anna decided to do the shopping she'd put off earlier. "I'll be back, I've just gotta grab a good pair of shoes and a new jacket... maybe some socks." She kissed Gunner lightly, "Grab us some good seats before they're all taken, I'll grab the popcorn on my way back in."

She punched his arm then glanced at Sebastian, "You'll be alright with three Guardians instead of four right?"

He rolled his eyes, "No, I'll be absolutely helpless. How dare you shirk your duties..." He mussed her hair, "Go get your stuff."

Guardian Belikov stopped her, "Make it quick, I would rather none of my charges be alone for long... even if they ARE promising Trainees."

She nodded, "Sure..."

Gunner put his hands into hi sockets as they debated about which movie to go to. As they came to a decision, Anna decided she was going to quickly do her shopping. He nodded and kissed her back, "Will do. I'll make sure you are behind the tallest person in the theatre for leaving me with these two."

Serena looked at Gunner as he teased Anna about leaving her, "That is evil. May a tall person sit in front of you one day," she said as she crossed her arms, trying to look displeased. However, she couldn't help but smile. Serena wasn't a very angry person.

Gunner looked at her and chuckled, "Tall people do sit in front of me. I can just see over them."

Serena hit him with her shoe bag and he laughed, feigning an injury. She looked at Sebastian, "What do we do while we wait?"

Gunner shrugged, "Whatever you two want. I'll take far guard. Let you stay close..."

Serena nodded and blushed ever so slightly, "Okay."

Sebastian blinked, he wasn't aware he was being quite so obvious about his growing affection towards Serena and seeing her blush and the flicker in her aura made him wonder if maybe she was beginning to feel the same. Either way, he HAD planned to use today to try and get his nerve up to tell her... He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly a moment before tossing an arm around Serena's shoulders. "Please do, we need to gossip about you and Anna... Who thought we'd see the day," he teased.

He sighed at pretended disappointment, "I suppose we should at least grab our popcorn, I don't think Anna has enough hands. She's failing on all levels these days... Don't tell her I said that... She'd hurt me and I'm fragile," he joked.

He went to the counter and ordered himself a large popcorn and two sodas and passed one to Serena, "The lady doesn't pay," he explained. Then held up the cookie dough he'd bought, "Want some?"

~*~

Anna hadn't been gone long when she'd felt the hair on the back of her neck stand on end... She felt watched. She frowned and shrugged it off, it was the middle of the day... Yeah, sure a Stigoi could maybe have taken some of the old Subway tunnels to get here.... but ever since the year when Rose and the group of her friends had gone missing the Guardians had made sweeps just to make sure they were clear... She wasn't 100% sure when the last sweep had been but she was sure that news of the sweeps had probably been passed around to any would be Strigoi squatters... She paid for her things, and then headed back towards the theatre. She hadn't gotten far and was just passing a piller when she was grabbed and yanked behind it. She struggled, slamming her heel onto her attacker's foot and then her head back into his face before she was slammed face first into the piller itself... As she fell to the ground, dazed and seeing stars, she saw a male face and red eyes and then everything was black...

((BUMBUMBUM))

Gunner smirked as Sebastian wrapped his arm around Serena, telling him they were going to gossip about him and Anna, "That's fine. We've been gossiping about the two of you all day."

He saw the redness in Serena's cheeks at the comment as Sebastian seemed unphased, going onto say that they two of them should go and gather their own snacks. Serena nodded and allowed him to lead her away. She pulled out her wallet and started to rifle through it, "Your money is so plain," she complained. With euros she didn't have to look a the little number in the corner. She knew by the colour. It wasn't the same here. However, as she pulled out a ten dollar Bill, Sebastian presented her a drink, informing her that the lady doesn't pay. She smiled at him, shyly, and put the money back into her wallet. She took the drink from him and gave him a little curtsy as she did, "Thank you."

She nodded when he offered his cookie dough and took a small piece, "Thank you," she said again. She looked around the area, "Are we going with Anna and Gunner? Or are we going to them some... space?"

Sebastian nodded, "Yeah... give them some space to schmooze." He sipped at his drink, "We should grab out seats before the place fills up." He headed into the theatre before realizing that the commercials were already ending, giving way to the previews. He frowned, "Where is Anna?"

Guardian Belikov checked his watch, "I gave her twenty minutes... It's only been about ten. The mall is a big place, she's probably still paying for her things."

Seb rubbed the back of his neck then nodded before letting Serena into the isle ahead of him and then he took a seat beside her and placed the popcorn where they could both reach. "I'll barely make a dent in a large, you Dhampirs have good appetites though so I figure you'd want a large... and if you don't finish it I'm sure Anna and Gunner will... Gluttons, the both of them."

It wasn't until after the previews ended and the opening of the movie began that he began to worry once more, he wanted to talk to Serena but Anna still gone had him distracted. He looked at Serena as he noticed Guardian Belikov check his watch for the third time in the past minute and then walk out of the theatre. "Something is wrong..."

~*~

Anna woke with her head pounding, she was pretty sure she was at least mildly concussed and she was definitely pissed. She'd allowed a Strigoi to sneak up on her while SHOPPING... really? She cursed, peeling her eyes open.

"Anna! You're awake!" The voice was so familiar her heart stumbled and every muscle in her body went tense.

Serena giggled a little and nodded, "I think that would be best."

She walked with him into the theatre and looked at him quizzically as he stopped, looking at Guardian Belikov asking about Anna. She smiled at Sebastian reassuringly as she walked into the isle before him and took a seat. She looked at the large bag of popcorn and laughed, "I do not think I can eat that much. I think Gunner and Anna will be more than happy to do that though."

She watched the previews with him but as the movie began to open, she looked at him. She could see the worry on his face. She reached out and took his hand, squeezing it slightly. She looked over and saw Guardian Belikov stand and leave the theatre and Gunner mere steps behind. She looked at Sebastian when he spoke, "I know," She replied quietly, standing up and walked out with Sebastian. She didn't drop his hand though, knowing well that he was worried.
~
Gunner followed Serena and Sebastian into the theatre and heard Seb ask about Anna. He stuffed his hands into his pocket, playing with the lint trying to distract himself. However, as time passed, he started to get more and more worried. His leg started to bounce, not liking the inaction. He'd rather be combing the mall for Anna than sitting in the dark theatre. His eyes drifted over to Guardian Belikov. The moment he saw him check his watch three times in close succession, he jumped to his feet and over the seat in front of him to follow Guardian Belikov out. Once they were out, he looked at the older Guardian, "Do you think it is Strigoi?" He asked worried.

Guardian Belikov frowned, he knew it would do no good to lie to the boy. "The sun is still out, so even if it was they would have had to have used the tunnels to avoid the daylight. We've combed every inch of those tunnels and we know where each one exits out. Only three of those areas remain in darkness, out of the sun." He looked up as Serena and Sebastian caught up, "I am calling in more Guardians as we speak... but the sun sets in an hour. It will take them longer than that to get here..." He seemed torn a moment, his options were clear... Get Sebastian to safety was one of the first things he should do but he knew the Moroi boy would argue over Anna and they'd be wasting precious time.

"I will lead the group, Gunner I want you in behind us... Serena, you stay at Sebastian's side. If we go in we may catch up to them or find some better sign as to which tunnel they took so I can inform the other Guardians and maybe they can head them off... This is dangerous, remain close and do EXACTLY as I say... stay alert at all times. This is real life, no test... your lives will be at risk, understood?"

After he had their understanding he led them down towards the tunnels... Sebastian tensed at one of the cross sections, "I smell..." He hesitated and then knelt, "Blood... Anna's." His heart rate picked up and Belikov rested a hand on his shoulder, "It is very little... They must have incapacitated her, but there would be more if she were badly injured." He didn't bring up the possibility of a bite... none of them needed that worry right now. "Can you tell which direction they went?" There were three possible ways to go from here... Seb grimaced and then walked to the left tunnel and took a deep breath, then the right. "That way... it's faint but there's more blood...more in the hall."

Belikov nodded and then headed to the right... the twists and turns the Strigoi had taken were insane, obviously they'd expected to be followed... and the scent of blood was growing fainter.

~*~

Anna struggled to pull herself back through the haze... tried to think clearly but it was impossible. "I don't want to hurt you Anna... but I know you'll hurt me if you're strong enough. This is better, for both of us. There's no need to fight, I'm not going to kill you I just... I want us to be friends again, like before."

Anna shook her head, trying to clear it... "Friends... Anya... you bit me."

Anya sighed and knelt in front of her, "I didn't... it was Claus. He's the one who brought you to me... he's helping me."

"Strigoi.... don't help each other..."

Anya shook her head, "You Dhampirs have left us no choice... there are more of us you know. You can be part of a family."

Anna grimaced, "I... have a family." She was so tired, Claus must have taken a lot... Thankfully, it had been while she was out.

"Don't be like that Anna, I need you... you're strong. You've always been strong. You can help me get everyone back, you can all be with me again."

Anna shivered, she felt...cold. "No... it won't be the same. We'll be... dead. I'd rather die than be... Strigoi."

Anya ran a hand through Anna's hair then suddenly yanked her head back, "No Anna... you won't die... You'll Awaken."

Anya bent to her kneck and Anna screamed.

~*~

The sound echoed through the halls and Belikov tensed, "They're baiting us... if we run headlong into it we'll be ambushed at the crossways..."

Gunner tensed when the Guardian told him that there was indeed a possibility of it being Strigoi who got Anna. This was his fault, all over again. He could have gone with her. Sebastian didn't need three Guardians on him. Serena and Guardian Belikov would be more than capable of protecting him if anything happened. He should have gone with Anna. He should have protected her. That was her job not just as a Guardian but as her boyfriend. He didn't looked at Serena or Sebastian when they walked up. He didn't dare meet Sebastian's eye. He didn't want to see how the boy was looking at him. First, he lost him his girlfriend, now his best friend.

Serena looked at the Guardian as he informed him of the danger and nodded. Anna was her friend. She needed to help her friend. She also liked the idea that she was with Sebastian. She wanted to keep him calm, this was a lot for a day that was supposed to be him getting away from the craziness of school.

They followed him down into the tunnels and stopped when Sebastian noticed the blood. Serena glanced at Gunner as his face darkened, he looked like he was ready to kill someone.

Gunner was ready to kill someone. He was entirely prepared to decapitate the bloody Strigoi who touched Anna with his bare hands. He made sure to keep an eye out still as his rage, far worse than what he had felt toward Jace, grew within him. Then... the scream and Gunner felt his heart being torn from his chest as his hands balled up into fists.

Serena quickly grabbed Sebastian's hand to stop him from doing anything brash and looked up at him. She met his eye for a moment before she spoke to Guardian Belikov, "Dobbiamo aiutarla!"

She didn't bother translating, her brain was not capable of doing just that at the moment. However, the desperate tone in her voice spoke leagues of its own. Gunner looked at the Guardian, "I'll go.... They either attack me and you guys swoop down on them. Or they don't and I get to Anna," He looked at his mentor, "I have to.... I can't wait for some back up that isn't going to be here till Anna is dead.... or worse...."

Belikov grimaced, "Gunner, I am the senior Guardian... I will go in but... Sebastian, if you got close enough could you see their auras?"

Sebastian seemed to understand, if he could see the auras he could see how many they were up against. "Yes... yes I can."

Belikov nodded, "Gunner, don't lose your calm here... Anna's life could depend on that. Follow..."

They moved down the hall a little further and Seb stopped, touching Belikov's arm. They were within hearing distance of a Strigoi but he could see them. He held up eight fingers and grimaced. That was two to each Guardian, including Anna who's aura he could also see and what he saw... He kept quiet, if he spoke Gunner would charge in and get himself killed. The desperate look on his face though must have caught Belikov's attention. He looked at Gunner, pointed at him and then held up two fingers... two Strigoi for Gunner. He held up four fingers for himself and then pointed at Serena and indicated the last two and for Seb to stay back. It would be close...

He held a hand up for them to wait and ran forward to draw out the Strigoi... Only six were outside in the halls, two were inside the old boiler room with Anna. "Now!"

Belikov quickly dispatched the first one and Sebastian used what limited ability he had over fire as a distraction for him to kill a second and third one.... breaking the rules by getting closer to the fight paid off sometimes... He kept glancing at the room and could no longer help it, "Gunner... Anna!" He set another Strigoi's clothes on fire to help Serena dispatch it as Belikov took out a fourth but he was slowing and he had quite a few wounds.

Gunner looked at the Guardian as he told him not to lose his cool. He nodded, all he wanted to do right now was to get to Anna. If that meant having to remain as calm as he could, then he was going to do just that. He took a deep breath and glanced at Serena. She reached up and pulled her hair back into a ponytail, smart it gave the Strigoi less to grab. She seemed ready although a little scared, he guessed that was how he would feel in this situation, if he wasn't so pissed.

Then Guardian Belikov ran forward and the battle began. Both of the Novices took out their stakes and charged.

Serena met her first and ducked under his arm as he swung it. He was a Moroi, which was good for Serena, it meant that he didn't really know how to fight. She spun under his arms and grabbed the one he had swung at her. She pulled him forward over her hip and managed to toss him to the ground. She made quick work of staking him. She didn't have a moment to recover before she was being tossed aside like a rag doll by her second Strigoi. She rolled as she hit the ground and quickly got to her feet. Her stake was still in the heart of the first Strigoi... Which was an issue. The Strigoi stalked toward her, with a sickening grin. Serena turned and jumped onto the wall before spinning around and kicking the Strigoi in the face. As it was stunned, she raced over to her stake and slid on her knees to it. She placed her knee on the shoulder of the dead Strigoi and pulled the stake out as the Strigoi raced over to her. She gasped getting ready to be thrown or punched or kicked, only to see the Strigoi's clothes go up in flames. Serena didn't miss a beat, getting to her feet and sending the stake into its heart.

Once she had it back out, she ran over to Sebastian. Her head was bleeding, along with her lip but she could have been worse for wear.
~
Gunner ran up to the Strigoi and immediately picked his two. He swung his stake, scratching the chest of the first. The Strigoi retaliated and punched him in the face, causing him to stagger a little. He turned around and stabbed his stake into the Strigoi's neck, who stared at him with wide eyes. He removed it quickly and stabbed it into the heart of the undead bastard. He turned to the next and dispatched of it quickly before running his shoulder into the door that Sebastian said Anna was through, not bothering with door handles. He spotted her immediately and ran over to her, gathering her into his arms, "I'm sorry, Anna," He whispered before looking to Anya wide eyed.